The Pentagon missed a deadline to end its use of toxic firefighting foam, sparking outrage as residents in Oscoda, Michigan, battle long-standing PFAS contamination from a nearby Air Force base.
Megan Thompson reports for PBS News Weekend.
In short:
- Residents of Oscoda, Michigan, discovered their water and land contaminated with PFAS chemicals from Wurtsmith Air Force Base firefighting foam.
- PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," persist in the environment and have been linked to severe health risks, including cancer.
- While the Air Force has begun cleanup efforts, progress remains slow, and residents continue to lobby for quicker action.
Key quote:
"We can't afford to allow this land, this natural resource, to be poisonous for years and years to come."
— Tony Spaniola, Oscoda resident
Why this matters:
PFAS contamination impacts millions nationwide, threatening water supplies and wildlife. Delays in addressing military pollution set a worrying precedent for other affected communities.
Learn more: The real story behind PFAS and Congress’ effort to clean up contamination: Op-ed
